These are the thoughts and observations of me — a woman of a certain age. (Oh, my, God, I'm 60!) I'm single. I'm successful enough (independent, self supporting). I live in the burbs and work in the city (Chicago, the best city in the world). I'm an aunt, a friend and a colleague. I feel that voices like mine are rather underrepresented online or in print. So here I am. If my musings resonate with you, please visit my blog again sometime.

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Sunday Stealing: The Sreaming Masses' Meme1. What is a nickname a former (or present) lover gave you? "Paul Girl," inspired by my deathless love for my favorite Beatle.

2. How do you style your hair? If you just would say "cut" what style is it? It's growing out, and every day is an adventure, so I don't know how to describe it. I use a blow dryer and wear a headband. I live for the day when I can simply pull it back.

3. What's your least favorite Christmas song? "Little Drummer Boy"

4. How many colors are you wearing now? 3 (Teal, pink and white)

5. Are you an introvert or extrovert? Both. Depends on the situation.

6. What was the last book you read? Stranger in Paradise by Robert B. Parker

7. What's one piece of fiction that changed your life? To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

8. If you are attracted to someone who is already in a relationship (or married), what might do you do? Cry a lot

9. Is there anything that has made you unhappy recently? Yes. I'm scared to death about losing this job and using up my nest egg before I can find another.

10. What's your favorite dessert? Right now I'd like carrot cake.

11. How long does it take you to get ready in the morning? 45 minutes if I'm enthusiastic, up to 2 hours if I'm not.

12. Name one website that you visit daily. Why do you read it? MSNBC.com. I check it for breaking news.

13. What was your last job before either you are at home or at another job?? I don't understand the question

14. Do you like to clean? No.

15. What was the last song to get stuck in your head? Can't Take My Eyes Off of You by Frankie Valli (A commercial for Jersey Boys runs frequently)

16. What's the last movie you saw?Four Christmases

17. Pirates or Ninjas? Pirates

18. What is your least favorite thing to do that you have to do everyday? Scooping the litterboxes

19. Best time of your life? My mid-30s. My career was taking a new turn and I was in love.

20. What are you most looking forward to in the coming year? Making positive changes to my diet and lifestyle

1. Does the holiday season stress you out? If yes, how do you cope? Yes, it stresses me out. I never seem to have enough time or energy to get everything done. I cope by trying to forgive myself for the areas where I fall short.

2. Are you ever so busy in December that you have to force yourself to chill? Not so much to chill, but to stay in the moment. I should enjoy who I'm with and what I'm doing, not fixate on what I haven't done.

3. Do you sleep well at this time of year? Well, it's pre-dawn and I'm doing this meme ...

4. Have you ever taken a sleigh ride? If yes, tell us about it. No. I mean, I've never taken a sleigh ride, I'm not petulantly refusing to talk about it.

5. Do you live close to the parts of your family you spend the holidays with? My mom, my kid sister and her husband, and their 2 children are all within a half hour. (Unless it snows a ton on Christmas Eve. One year I was on a bus for more than 45 minutes, and it hadn't even left the parking lot.)

6. What will you have for Christmas dinner? I don't know. That's up to my mom and sister.

7. Do you diet after the holidays? Not really, though I should. I will resolve to exercise more and become healthier.

8. What’s the best part of the season for you? Reconnecting with friends and family.

9. How many generations of your family get together during the holidays? Three